At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after Jesus spoke about the freedom of children in God's kingdom, the disciples still couldn't shake their worldly ambition. Their question, "Who is the greatest?" reveals a deep misunderstanding that the kingdom of heaven would involve earthly status and hierarchy, a mindset Jesus would spend the rest of this chapter dismantling.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after Jesus spoke about his upcoming suffering and Peter paid temple tax, the disciples got into a debate on the way to Capernaum about who among them was the most important. Their understanding of Jesus' kingdom was still very earthly, expecting him to establish a glorious, temporal reign, and they wanted to know who would hold the top positions. Jesus, aware of their unspoken argument and ambition, posed a question that would challenge their worldly notions of greatness.
Right after Jesus talks about his suffering and death, the disciples immediately pivot to a question about status and power. What does this reveal about their expectations?
It's striking that in the very hour Jesus has just spoken of his coming rejection and suffering (Matthew 17:22-23), the disciples are preoccupied with who will be the 'greatest' in his kingdom.
Worldly Expectations
The disciples still held a common Jewish expectation of the Messiah setting up a powerful, earthly kingdom. They envisioned a political reign where positions of honor and authority would be distributed. This question reflects their human desire for status, recognizing that Jesus was the Messiah but misunderstanding the nature of his reign.
A Shadow of Pride
Some scholars note that this conversation likely stemmed from disputes they had on the road. The recent special attention given to Peter, and the select few disciples (like at the Transfiguration), might have fueled their competitive spirit. They were thinking about worldly rankings, not heavenly ones.
The word 'then' in this verse isn't just about timing; it hints at the disciples' reasoning. What sparked this particular question right now?
The word 'then' (or 'then who?') in the original Greek suggests their question was prompted by recent events and possibly their own internal discussions.
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Building on a Premise
Jesus had just interacted with Peter in a significant way, especially concerning the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). Peter was honored, even singled out. This, combined with the recent Transfiguration where Peter, James, and John were given a special experience, likely made the other disciples wonder, 'Who, then, is considered the most important?'
Internal Disagreements
Scripture from parallel accounts (Mark 9:33-34) reveals the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest. They likely brought this unresolved dispute to Jesus for a definitive ruling, hoping he would settle their claims.
Understand the original words
mathētai · Greek Noun
A student or follower of a teacher; in the New Testament, it refers specifically to those who follow Jesus Christ, observing his teachings and life.
basileia tōn ouranōn · Greek Noun
The rule, reign, or sovereign authority of God, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future eschatological sense; it represents the realm where God's will is perfectly done.
The disciples' question about who is greatest reveals their struggle to reconcile Jesus' predictions of suffering with their ingrained expectations of a glorious, earthly kingdom where they would hold positions of power.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus taught, healed, and gathered disciples, including the Twelve. The disciples' understanding of his 'kingdom' was still largely shaped by contemporary Jewish expectations of a political Messiah.
c. AD 30— this verse
Disciples Dispute Precedency
While traveling, the disciples debated amongst themselves who among them was the greatest. This internal strife arose from their worldly ambitions and expectations of Jesus' imminent earthly kingdom.
c. AD 30
Jesus Predicts His Suffering
Shortly before this, Jesus had plainly told his disciples he would suffer, be rejected, and be killed. This sobering prediction seemed to clash with their hopes for immediate glory and power.
c. AD 30
Peter Pays Temple Tax
Jesus had miraculously provided the temple tax for both himself and Peter, with Peter having a leading role in the interaction. This may have further fueled the disciples' thoughts about rank and status.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 18:1, showing the disciples disputing about who was the greatest and Jesus using a child to teach them about humility.
Luke 9:46-48Luke also records this event, highlighting Jesus' awareness of the disciples' inner thoughts and His subsequent lesson that the one who is least among them is the greatest.
Matthew 20:20-28This passage shows the mother of James and John asking for her sons to have the highest positions, revealing the disciples' continued struggle with ambition and Jesus' redirection towards service.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31Paul uses the metaphor of the body to explain how every part is essential, countering the idea of one single 'greatest' person and emphasizing the unique role of each believer in the church.
Philippians 2:3-8This text provides a powerful counter-example to the disciples' ambition, urging believers to have the 'mind of Christ' who, though divine, emptied himself and took the form of a servant.
vincentMatthew 18:1: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
The Rev. inserts then after who, thus restoring the Greek ἄρα, which the A. V. overlooks. Who then? Who, as things stand. Since one of our number has been doubly honored in being called "the rock," and in being appointed to take part in a special miracle, who then is greatest?
barnesMatthew 18:1: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
See also Mark 9:33-41 ; Luke 9:46-50 . Who is the greatest in the kingdom, of heaven? - By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up - his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor, and…
Right after Jesus spoke about the freedom of children in God's kingdom, the disciples still couldn't shake their worldly ambition. Their question, "Who is the greatest?" reveals a deep misunderstanding that the kingdom of heaven would involve earthly status and hierarchy, a mindset Jesus would spend the rest of this chapter dismantling.
Just after Jesus spoke about his upcoming suffering and Peter paid temple tax, the disciples got into a debate on the way to Capernaum about who among them was the most important. Their understanding of Jesus' kingdom was still very earthly, expecting him to establish a glorious, temporal reign, and they wanted to know who would hold the top positions. Jesus, aware of their unspoken argument and ambition, posed a question that would challenge their worldly notions of greatness.
Just after Jesus spoke about his upcoming suffering and Peter paid temple tax, the disciples got into a debate on the way to Capernaum about who among them was the most important. Their understanding of Jesus' kingdom was still very earthly, expecting him to establish a glorious, temporal reign, and they wanted to know who would hold the top positions. Jesus, aware of their unspoken argument and ambition, posed a question that would challenge their worldly notions of greatness.
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”" — Right after Jesus spoke about the freedom of children in God's kingdom, the disciples still couldn't shake their worldly ambition. Their question, "Who is the greatest?" reveals a deep misunderstandi…
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Last reviewed October 2026